The Global Warming Debate

Global warming is a hot topic these days. All around the world, it is discussed and debated. As with any debate, there are huge differences of opinion. Is global warming real? Is it phony science? What should we do about it? What can we do about it?

Who is debating global warming?

Since this topic is becoming more and more mainstream, there are many people on the global warming bandwagon. Most scientists and meteorologists share a concern that global warming is real and has dire consequences, but not all do. Of course, you hear many politicians speak of their views on the topic but this has lessened as the economic woes of the United States and the world have increased. You may even hear celebrities voicing their opinions on global warming.

On the other hand, you can hear some people in the same walks of life stating their belief that global warming is the greatest hoax of the 21st century. They point out the fact that weather is cyclical and that if you look back at records from over a hundred years ago, you will see that there were extremes in weather just as now. Blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes, drought, excessive rainfall – all these weather patterns have been charted for hundreds of years. And if that is so, how can you say that these same things today are caused by global warming?

And, of course, you simply cannot forget those who are extremely vocal for their own ulterior motives – both for and against the theory of global warming. Those with interests in energy companies, such as coal processing plants and fuel refineries, manufacturing, steel processing for car production, etc will vehemently argue that global warming is a myth because changes in the way we think of the way we use the earth’s resources may negatively affect their “bottom lines” financially. Conversely, those who have financial interests in solar, wind and geothermal energy and other alternatives will tell you it is imperative that we change the way we live – it will benefit them financially!

What do the activists believe about global warming?

Those who say there is no such thing as global warming, also claim that the changes we are seeing, such as higher temperatures, milder winters, localized droughts, stronger hurricanes, more instances of tornadoes, the melting of the polar ice caps, are part of the natural cycles of the planet and that these things would occur anyway, whether or not we were here and influencing the ozone layer.

Those who advocate that there is global warming point out the very same things – and say that because we are negatively influencing the ozone layer and polar ice caps that we are also creating more destructive weather patterns. They also point out the fact that the cancer rates are rising, especially melanoma, and that this is a direct result of the depletion of the ozone layer.

And while the facts are correct on both sides, ultimately, we as individuals, must eventually come to a personal decision as to what we believe about the debate. Perhaps the worst consequence of this inevitable back and forth debate is confusion. Confusion creates indecision. Individually and as a country, we need to make some serious decisions about the direction we are to go regarding this issue.

In the next few days, I will be blogging about more issues surrounding the global warming debate. I hope that you will come back and that eventually, you will be able to make up your mind as to how to approach this issue in your daily life.

Although a little long, at 12 minutes, I feel that watching this video will show why there is such confusion and stagnation regarding global warming. It is well worth your time…

I'm many things. A traveler, reader, lifelong study of history. But my passion is engineering, I love its creative and utility. Few years ago, I created my first water pump and improve it for many visions.